UM students’ group cries foul after cops allegedly halt anti-graft forum

 Umany claims the event was disrupted by police, suppressing the rights of students to assemble and advocate for academic freedom.

Umany said the forum was supposed to be held in front of Dewan Tunku Canselor but they were disrupted by nearly 30 policemen while heading to the venue. (Umany pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 A Universiti Malaya students’ group has alleged that policemen barred a forum on integrity and corruption organised by several UM student bodies from proceeding tonight.

The Universiti Malaya Association of New Youth (Umany) said the forum was supposed to be held in front of Dewan Tunku Canselor, but they were disrupted by nearly 30 policemen while heading to the venue.

As the students attempted to carry on with the forum from the spot, Umany said, two police vehicles flashed lights at the group, purportedly hoping to disrupt the speeches being made.

FMT has reached out to the police and UM for comment.

“This created an atmosphere of intimidation, suppressing the rights of students to assemble and advocate for academic freedom,” Umany said in a statement.

“Umany reiterates that the right to assemble is a fundamental civil liberty. The authorities have neither the right nor justification to restrict this freedom, nor should they suppress students’ academic freedom on campus.”

The forum was supposed to start at 8.30pm outside Dewan Tunku Canselor, and it was understood that it would discuss the shareholding allegations against Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief Azam Baki, among other topics. - FMT